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A new UV barrier masterbatch for food and industrial packaging from Ampacet is said to offer a sustainable alternative to conventional UV solutions based on benzotriazole additives. Conventional UV additives containing phenolic benzotriazoles have faced strong regulatory pressure due to environmental concerns. Some grades have been added to the European ECHA candidate list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).

Ampacet has launched a safer solution, UVBlock 1496, which is formulated without the intentional addition of SVHC. It is said to offer excellent optical properties and good UV barrier performance in the low UVA and UVB wavelength range, and is approved for food contact applications in Europe and the U.S.

Light exposure, especially UVA and UVB, can damage food components such as fats, proteins and vitamins. Photodegradation often causes unwanted effects such as discoloration, off flavors and odors, nutrient loss and ultimately food waste. Nonfood products can also be sensitive and degrade under UV light exposure and, as such, UV barrier additives are often added to packaging.